Eligibility Programs
Use this page to see all the resources that might be available to you, then visit the program website to learn how to apply.
Income eligible programs are indicated by a kite icon.
Child Development
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Early Childhood Intervention (ECI)
A program for families with children birth to 36 months with developmental delays, disabilities or certain medical diagnoses that may impact development.
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Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE)
A program for young children with disabilities ages 3 to 5. Children who meet eligibility criteria may receive services in a variety of settings such as a prekindergarten classroom, in the home, or in community settings such as Head Start and pre-school.
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Children's Autism Program
Provides focused applied behavioral analysis services for children through local community agencies and organizations.
Nutrition
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Free and Reduced Price
School LunchProvides wholesome and tasty lunches each school day. Participating children are eligible to receive reduced-price or free meals at school.
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Supplemental Nutrition
Assistance Program (SNAP)Provides nutrition benefits to supplement the food budget of families that are struggling with finances so they can purchase healthy food.
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WICA nutrition program for pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding women and families with children younger than 5. WIC clients receive healthy food, one-on-one counseling with nutritionists, breastfeeding support, and more.
Healthcare
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Children's Medicaid & Children's
Health Insurance Program (CHIP)Provide health coverage for low-income children.
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Children with Special Health
Care Needs Services ProgramHelps children 20 and younger who have special health care needs, and people of any age with cystic fibrosis, improve their health, well-being, and quality of life. Apply through a local health service office in your region. Social workers are available to help with the process.
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Find a Doctor
(Healthy Texas Women)Offers women’s health and family planning services at no cost to eligible women in Texas.
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Child Support
Helps to ensure all children receive the supports they need and deserve by helping families establish paternity, obtain court orders for financial, medical and dental support for children, and enforce child support orders.
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Parent Education Classes
Supports and resources are available throughout Texas. Explore individual programs and find one near you.
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Child Care Scholarships
Help eligible families of children under the age of 13 so that parents can work, attend school, or participate in training.
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Early Head Start/Head Start
Promote the school readiness of preschool-aged children, infants, toddlers, and services for pregnant women. Program options are offered in a variety of settings including centers, family child care, child care partnerships and children's own home.
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Prekindergarten
Available for eligible children at least three years of age on or before September 1 of the current school year (if a three-year-old program is available) or four years of age on or before September 1. Some schools offer tuition-based programs for children who are ineligible for free prekindergarten. Contact your local school district or campus to find out what programs they offer.
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A program of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission committed to helping Texas citizens connect with the services they need. Call 2-1-1 from anywhere in Texas (toll-free) or visit the website.
Help Me Grow
Promotes child development by working to successfully link families to community resources that meet their needs. Available in some regions in Texas.
Your Texas Benefits
Learn about state benefit programs, apply for new benefits, and manage your account or applications.

Our Mission
Early Childhood Texas aims to provide families with young children easy access to Texas state agency programs, services, and resources.